European medlar (Mespilus germanica)

El European medlar It is one of those fruit trees that is gradually being withdrawn from the trade: not because it is toxic, or harmful, or anything like that, but because there is a species, the eryobotrya japonica (Japanese medlar), which is replacing it, which is a shame because our protagonist it is a very resistant plant and very easy to care for. In addition, its care is truly accessible to any amateur gardener.

Therefore, we are going to introduce you to mespilus germanica, which is what it is called in botanical jargon. This way, you can decide if you want to have a specimen in your garden or orchard  .

Origin and characteristics

The European medlar, whose scientific name is mespilus germanica, is an evergreen fruit tree native to Southeast Europe and Asia Minor. As a curiosity, to say that it was cultivated about 3000 years ago in the Caspian Sea region, although today it has been naturalized in almost all of Europe.

Reaches a height of 6 meters, being able to exceed 8m if the growing conditions are really good. Its crown is low and wide, and can be pruned to give it a rounded or parasol shape. It blooms between May and June in the northern hemisphere. The flowers are solitary and are composed of 5 white or pink petals.

The fruits are globular pommel, which turn from green to yellowish brown when ripe, and measure about 2-3 cm. Their flavor is sweet and sour, and they can be eaten fresh or prepared with wine or jellies. If you want to know more about how to care for them, we invite you to read about the Caring for the European medlar Mespilus germanica.

Their life expectancy is between 30 and 50 years. If you want to know more about the loquat, you can read about the and other aspects of the potted fruit trees.

What are their cares?

If you decide to get a copy, we recommend providing the following care:

• Location: outside, in full sun.
• Earth:
  • Pot: universal growing substrate mixed with 30% perlite.
  • Garden: grows in slightly acidic soils (pH 6-6,5), with good drainage.
• Irrigation: 2-3 times a week in summer and a little less the rest of the year.
• SubscriberIn spring and summer, fertilize with organic fertilizers, either powdered if planted in the ground or liquid if planted in a pot. You can also consult other methods on .
• Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
• Pruning: at the end of winter, dry, diseased or weak branches must be removed. In addition, you have to trim those that have grown too much.
• Rusticity: withstands cold and frosts down to -18ºC.

What did you think of the mespilus germanica?